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The Black Warriors reached the Periphery in 2770 following a contract dispute with the Free Worlds League in which they were accused of a breach of contract. After a near-capture by the Free Worlds League navy, the Warriors swore revenge on the League and settled on the world of Circinus, along with several other pirate bands.[1] Later records indicate that the Black Warriors were former SLDF troops who had left to become mercenaries. Despite this, they worked extensively with the SLDF during the Amaris Civil War, functioning largely as a training cadre.[2]

Following the founding of the Federation in 2785, the Black Warriors became the chief military force of the fledgling nation as well as a cornerstone of its economy due to the constant raids the Warriors made against the Free Worlds League. This situation developed into one of extreme political significance as the Warriors' unique situation was established over the centuries.

During Operation Dagger the 42nd Avalon Hussars actually contracted the Black Warriors to assist them against the 6th Orloff Grenadiers. The Hussars had taken Cerillos, the Sixth Orloff's baseworld, and couldn't hold it. The contract stipulated that the Warriors would receive access to Lyran supplies. The combined Hussar/Warrior force eventually lost Cerillos, but the salvage and Lyran supplies allowed the Black Warriors to raise two more regiments in 3032.[2]

Although traditionally the Black Warriors were led by a member of the Cirion family (descended from the leader of the Warriors in 2770), the position of Colonel was taken by the President of the Federation (McIntyre) due to the minority of the next heir to the battalion[3]. McIntyre then led the Warriors to a string of disastrous defeats, including a failed invasion of the Illyrian Palatinate and a long war against guerillas on the planet Alpheratz. This led to a decline in the strength of the Warriors from three battalions to only one, and helped to breed dissent within the ranks. The loss of seven battalions of troops led to a coup against the President of the Federation. The Warriors were reduced to a battalion. Eventually a truce was reached, and Fritz Donner was appointed to lead the unit.[2]

During the Clan Invasion the Warriors used the Federated Commonwealth's preoccupation with the Clan front to raid several Commonwealth systems. These raids were covered by the President making several diplomatic overtures to the Commonwealth as a distraction. The Black Warriors hit Son Hoa and Khon Kaen, frequently clashing with the Mobile Fire mercenary unit. These raids came to an end in 3058 however, when the Timbuktu Theater March Militia raided every system held by the Circinicus Federation. The FedCom unit created many problems for the Federation, but the Warriors were out raiding and not present for the assaults. The Warriors raided Sierra and defeated the 5th Oriente Hussars in 3056. The Sixth Orloff Grenadiers coordinated their retaliatory strikes with the Timbuktu TMM in 3058 to gain their revenge. Prior to the FedCom Civil War the Black Warriors were raiding the Marian Hegemony and New Colony Region.[4] The Black Warriors also responded to raids by the Teyvareb TTM.[5]

In late 3065 and 3066 the Black Warriors raided multiple Marian Hegemony systems. They did so with the covert support of the Magistracy of Canopus, Rim Commonality, and the Word of Blake. The Magistracy and Commonality hired small mercenary commands to help the Federation, while the Blakists provided upgraded 'Mechs and other equipment. The Warriors were able to stop the invasion of the Federation by the Hegemony. After they halted the assault, the Black Warriors left Federation space.[6][7]